Last Update & Room Reveal

It's hard to believe that it's been 2 months since we made the decision for me to travel to Ethiopia. Now that day is rapidly approaching. I am leaving Monday. MONDAY!!!!

I am still working on packing up my life for the next 3 months into 2 suitcases, and I feel like there are a million little things to do before I go. But, overall, I feel ready and I am beyond excited to see what God has in store for these next 3 months!!

This will be my last update whilst being stateside. I intend to update while I am over there, as long as I have cooperating Internet. ;)

For those of you who feel lead to pray for us while I am gone, here are a few Prayer points:

Pray for safe & smooth travels 

Pray for protection over Barry and me and our marriage

Pray that there is movement in our case 

Pray that we will be able to bring TJ home when I return in June 

In my last post I shared a link to an Amazon Registry for donations for the orphanage.  We have been overwhelmed by the response from everyone! We have sooooo many donations. I packed as much as I could into our biggest suitcase and I still have some leftover that will have to go in another bag. AND I cannot lift the suitcase, which may or may not be a problem while traveling. :)

Here is a look at all of the donations you guys purchased! 

We are so, so, so, so blown away by the generosity and love that you all have shown. Thank you is no where near enough to express our gratitude. Please know it means so much to us, to have seen the way you all have rallied behind us!

*We did send out thank you cards to everyone who sent donations, if you didn't get one let us know (Some of the donations didn't have a name on them)!


During this process of preparing to leave, I also, in faith, decided to do some nesting. I wanted to have TJ's room all ready to go, just in case he does get to come home with us in June. This is something I have put off for a long time. Mostly because it was just too painful. I would rather walk by a barren room each morning, then have to catch a glimpse of a room where you should be seeing a child sitting down to read a book, or play with toys. But, since this season is all about big leaps of faith, I decided to step out in faith and finish his room so that it will be ready for his arrival.

I wanted his room to be a peaceful place, I didn't want it to overwhelm or overstimulate him. So we went with grey & neutral tones with some pops of color. We did a safari theme, but elephants are definitely the main animal (I have an obsession people!). We are pretty pleased with the outcome, so... without further ado.

                                                    

The top two photos and this bottom one are all part of his reading corner, it's my favorite part of the room! 

I have a friend working on a piece for behind the crib which is why it's blank

I couldn't resist this photo, one of my friends
 purchased this doorstop in England <3

There it is! Now, we just need a little boy running around in there!


Also, for those of you still curious as to why we are doing this and why it is worth it, THIS blog post explains it well. I couldn't have said it better myself!